Former TCU quarterback and current Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton has a game plan for more than football.
Dalton and his wife Jordan created the Andy & Jordan Foundation in 2011. The Daltons began their work with kids at local Cincinnati hospitals who are ill or have special needs.
“The ultimate goal of our foundation is to work with kids in the hospitals, kids who are sick and kids with special needs,” Dalton said. “We want to provide something to them to look forward to and put a smile on their face. Hopefully, overall, we can make them feel better.”
According to the Andy & Jordan Foundation website there are five main programs: Andy & Jordan’s Hub, Date Night, King for a Day, Pass it on Fund, and Holiday Hearts.
While the majority of these Foundation events occur in Cincinnati, the Fiesta & Goal fundraiser is held in Fort Worth.
“Both Jordan and I have always felt tremendous support in Texas-especially in Fort Worth- and we’re lucky to have the opportunity to give back to deserving kids and their families in our home state through our Foundation,” Dalton said.
Fiesta & Goal is scheduled for April 1, 2015 at Joe T. Garcia’s. The annual charity dinner and auction benefits children recovering from illness or receiving treatment at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth.
“Fiesta & Goal is a chance to kick back with my fans while also supporting Cook Children’s and the amazing care they provide to North Texas children. It really is a win-win,” Dalton said.
Kelsey Patterson said that she and Coach Patterson are very pleased to see Dalton giving back and love supporting him.
“The hope is always to see our players grow and mature. We knew Andy has always had that spirit,” Kelsey Patterson said. “We’re happy to see he is not only giving back to the Cincinnati community, but the Fort Worth community as well.
Don’t miss the Andy & Jordan Dalton Foundation Event on April 1st! http://t.co/yv70n1O8nn GoFrogs! #TCU pic.twitter.com/UnyrbX5cUr
— K.Patterson (@kels_patterson) March 2, 2015
In addition to Fiesta & Goal, the other events of the Andy & Jordan Dalton Foundation help both children and their families.
The Hub provides patients and their families access to entertainment and educational resources to help pass the time during hospital stays. The Hub has locations in both Cincinnati and Fort Worth.
Thanks to @andydalton14 and his wife for donating a locker full of iPads, Wii games and more to the patients today!!! pic.twitter.com/gddFLPsTKa
— Cook Children’s (@CookChildrens) March 10, 2014
Thanks @andydalton14 @jjdalton5 for Andy &Jordans Hub: iPads, DVD players, gaming systems for inpatients to borrow! pic.twitter.com/19qPZmsLbV
— Cincinnati Childrens (@CincyChildrens) September 9, 2014
On Date Night, parents are invited to drop off their children for a safe and secure evening hosted by Andy and Jordan while the parents enjoy an all-expenses-paid private dinner date.
King for a Day provides families with an all-expense-paid dream day at Kings Island Theme Park.
@andydalton14 & @jjdalton5‘s foundation’s 1st annual #kingforaday program @kingsisland pic.twitter.com/EiEPvYux
— Prolanthropy (@prolanthropy) August 6, 2012
The Pass It On Fund aims to provide medical equipment to families who are in financial need.
Holiday Hearts occurs each December when Andy and Jordan pass out gifts to spread holiday cheer to children and their families at Cincinnati area children’s hospitals.
Santa’s Sleigh full of gifts from @WalmartGiving for @andydalton14 and @jjdalton5‘s #HolidayHearts w/ @ShrinersHosp pic.twitter.com/92xvlxXVIV
— Katie Hayden (@KatieHayden) December 9, 2013
Visit http://andydalton.org/ to find out more about each of programs and events.
